Dental restorative materials that contain QASi have
sustained antibacterial properties suggests a recent study published in The
Journal of the American Dental Association
This narrative review addresses dental restorative materials
with sustained antibacterial action, especially those containing quaternary
ammonium compounds. Secondary caries occurs around restorations, causing
further loss of mineral and breakdown of the restoration. Lesions adjacent to
restorations account for more than 40% of needed restorations. Restorative materials
with antibacterial properties will potentially solve this problem. Several groups are researching composite restorative
materials that incorporate antibacterial agents. These agents are mostly
exhausted over time. Newer studies involve materials that incorporate
antibacterial microparticles that remain active and do not leach out.
Results:
One such antibacterial agent, quaternary ammonium coupled
with inorganic silica into minute particles (QASi), has been studied in the
laboratory and in humans. QASi particles incorporated into dental materials
retain their antibacterial action over time without leaching or loss of
activity.
A clinical in situ study in humans using dental composite containing
QASi resulted in highly significantly less demineralization in the adjacent
enamel than the control composite material.
Dental restorative materials that contain QASi have
sustained antibacterial properties, have mechanical properties comparable to
those of presently marketed materials, and have been cleared by the US Food and
Drug Administration. Clinical studies have shown that composites incorporating
QASi have the potential to markedly reduce the occurrence of caries around
restorations. Because caries around restorations is a major problem,
restorative materials with sustained antibacterial properties will have an important
effect in reducing secondary caries around restorations.
Key Words
Caries prevention, antibacterial restorative materials, secondary
caries, quaternary ammonium compounds, John D.B. Featherstone,
John D.B. Featherstone. Dental restorative materials
containing quaternary ammonium compounds have sustained antibacterial action. The
Journal of the American Dental Association. Published: October 20, 2022. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2022.09.006